From day to night – The twenty four hour dress

It always makes me happy when I find great frocks that I can wear for so many diverse occasions, over and over again. Whether it is pieces like a great coat, jacket, skirt or blouse, being able to mix and match them with other items is key to create a longer manageable capsule wardrobe. This season it is also about investing in the twenty four hours dress. With Simple, flattering shapes and standout colours, it will work from desk to dinner to weekend afternoon in a flash.

When we buy new clothes, we want to get as much wear out of them as possible. Even when you don’t have a lot of cash to throw around, everyone can get the twenty four hour dress. The magic ingredient is versatility. Simple additions of accessories and shoes will help you to switch the look from work to cocktail hour.

This beautiful shift patterned dress from Marc Cain will work wonder at a work function. Pair with coloured kitten heels and layer a blazer jacket over in a neutral colour such French navy. Dress it up with metallic high heels, statement earrings and a clutch bag for a cocktail party.

Colour clocking is still going strong this season. Think royal blue, hot pink, green, yellow or red. Miriam O’Reilly has this gorgeous Penny Black emerald green tunic with black sequins details on the sleeves and a ribbon at the waist. Excellent choice for Friday in the office to a book launch in the evening. Team it with a boyfriend jacket and wedges by day. At night an elegant pair or high heels and clutch bag will effortlessly dress it up.

From business function to wedding to the races, this peplum tangerine dress by Heigi Higgins is versatile, ultra flattering and timeless. By day pair it with a cropped jacket and court shoes. For occasion team it with high heels, a statement neckpiece and a headpiece.

For spring weekend wear nothing beats a dress that you can just slip on. It is so easy and will make you look really good. I love this orange floral dress by French Connection: great for shopping, picnic, visiting family and friends or spring events such as communion. Wear it with a lightweight cardigan, belt and wedges. For more formal occasion, go for a cropped blazer, a pair or black court shoe, some jewellery, and you are dress for a drink with the girls…

Penny Black @ Myriam O'Reilly

Bastyan

Marc Cain @ Colette Latchford

French Connection

Heidi Higgins at Nestors Boutique

Dorothy Perkins

Check this article in my style counsel column in the Galway advertiser www.advertiser.ie/galway/